The discovery of minerals has brought about cautious optimism in the country. However I do think Kenya would reap from the many benefits of the mining industry which doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to wait 10 years to start enjoy our oil finds or industries running on the coal found in Kitui. I think outsourcing of services and labour would be far more beneficial.

For the past two months we have constantly been taken through the murky waters of the mining industry in Kenya. From the bribes to the dictatorial leadership at the helm of the ministry to allegations and their equal counters.

The Mining Bill 2013 comes after months of vicious behind-the-scenes lobbying often pitting local mining interests against foreign miners. Being the first major review of the 1940 Mining Act, it comes with strict stipulations in an effort to safeguard interests of the citizens and Kenya.